When the World Rally Championship calls in Argentina it's usually dominated by one man: Red Bull and Citroen’s seven-time world champion Sebastien Loeb.
So fast is the 37-year-old Frenchman on the tricky stages in Argentina’s Cordoba region that none of his rivals have threatened his hold on the event – a grip that's tightened in each of the last five Argentinean rallies. And to add salt to its rivals' wounds, Citroen’s winning streak in South America stretches all the way back to 2004 when Carlos Sainz triumphed.
Loeb can't quite pinpoint why he’s so good in Argentina – maybe it's something to do with him being the most successful rally driver in the world. Here is Loeb's five-step plan for striking gold at Villa Carlos Paz, the rally’s long-term home.
Expect a big battle
This season will be hotly contested right till the very end. All the rallies are very closely fought. In Sardinia, we won by around 10 seconds from Mikko Hirvonen. The gap between Sebastien Ogier and Jari-Matti Latvala in Jordan was only two-tenths of a second. We’ll have to be quick right from the start – and put pedal to metal till the end. With a stage of 48km on the last day, there’s no question of letting up.
Keep your eyes on the road
There are many contenders in Argentina. But I have to say I don’t think it very much when I’m behind the steering wheel. I just try to do my best.
Prepare to compromise
With a 20km section on Friday, and another 14km on Saturday to be covered twice, almost 20 per cent of the rally will be on Tarmac. The asphalt sections are in the very heart of the gravel sectors, so we can’t play with the set-ups. We’ll have to adapt our driving style to get the best out of the cars. And the crucial factor will be good tyre management.
Get sweeping
The first day in Sardinia, cleaning the road, was a real handicap. And then I was quicker than my rivals in the second leg. It went much better than expected but you’re still penalised by this phenomenon of 'sweeping' when you’re first out on the road. If you have the choice, it’s better to start behind.
Enjoy the vocal backing
Argentina has an ambience unlike any other. The spectators are mad about rallying. They’re very warm, very demonstrative and they really participate in the event. There are people everywhere, from the hotel to the summits of the stages. We’ve got a good record in this rally, which I can’t really explain. The route’s very varied; some stages alternate between technical section and quicker ones. Maybe I’ve just been a bit more successful than my rivals over the past few years. For sure, I feel good there.
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